Dragon Con in Atlanta: Your Complete Guide to the City’s Biggest Geek Weekend

Dragon Con is one of Atlanta’s signature festivals and largest citywide events—a four-day (really five-day) celebration of science fiction, fantasy, comics, gaming, cosplay, and pop culture that takes over Labor Day weekend every year.

If you live in Atlanta, you’ve probably seen the costumes on MARTA or the crowds downtown. If you’re visiting, you may be planning your whole trip around it. This guide breaks down how Dragon Con works in Atlanta, where it happens, how to get around, what locals should expect, and how to make the most of the weekend.

What Is Dragon Con?

Dragon Con is a fan-run multi-genre convention held each year in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, centered around:

• Sci-fi and fantasy TV/film
• Comics and graphic novels
• Tabletop, video, and role-playing games
• Cosplay and costuming
• Literature, art, and fan culture
• Science, space, and tech programming
• Horror, anime, and more

Unlike some conventions that focus on one fandom or one venue, Dragon Con is spread across multiple hotels and buildings and runs almost 24 hours a day over the holiday weekend. For Atlanta, it’s one of the biggest tourism draws of the year and a major part of the city’s event calendar.

When and Where Dragon Con Happens in Atlanta

Dates and Timing

• Every year over Labor Day weekend
• Programming typically runs from Thursday through Monday
• Many fans arrive Wednesday night and stay through Monday afternoon

Atlanta locals should expect heavy downtown traffic, busy MARTA trains, and crowded hotels and restaurants throughout that period.

Main Dragon Con Host Hotels

Dragon Con is centered in the Peachtree Center / Downtown Atlanta hotel cluster. The main “host hotels” typically include:

• Hyatt Regency Atlanta – 265 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Marriott Marquis Atlanta – 265 Peachtree Center Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Hilton Atlanta – 255 Courtland St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Sheraton Atlanta Hotel – 165 Courtland St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Westin Peachtree Plaza – 210 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303

These hotels house most of the panels, fan tracks, celebrity appearances, cosplay contests, and late-night events. During Dragon Con, they are often badge-only access in many areas, so non-attendees can’t always just walk through as usual.

Other Key Dragon Con Locations

• America’s Mart Atlanta (Buildings 1 & 2 are commonly used)
  240 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Hosts Vendor Halls, Artists, Exhibit Floors, and often Gaming spaces.
• Peachtree Center walkways
  • Indoor bridges and food court area that help attendees move around without crossing every street at ground level—a major advantage in Atlanta heat and traffic.

Dragon Con for Locals vs. Visitors

If You Live in Atlanta

Dragon Con affects traffic, transit, and downtown access:

• Expect increased congestion downtown and near the Connector (I-75/85).
• MARTA trains and buses around Peachtree Center and Five Points will be much busier, especially midday and evening.
• Many downtown restaurants and bars will be packed or running special hours.
• You’ll see costumed attendees throughout downtown and on trains—this is normal for the weekend.

You do not have to be a badge-holder to enjoy certain parts of Dragon Con weekend, such as:

• The Dragon Con Parade
• General people-watching and cosplay spotting in public streets and nearby areas
• Local bars and restaurants that lean into the theme with specials or cosplay nights

If You’re Visiting Atlanta for Dragon Con

Plan around:

• Downtown lodging – staying at or near the host hotels minimizes walking and late-night travel.
• Transit from the airport – MARTA’s Red/Gold line from Hartsfield-Jackson to Peachtree Center Station is the most direct option if you’re staying downtown.
• Weather – Labor Day weekend in Atlanta is usually hot and humid, often with afternoon thunderstorms. Cosplayers should plan for water, breathable fabrics, and backup outfits.

Passes, Badges, and Admission

Dragon Con operates on a badge system; you’ll need a badge to access most programming and event spaces within the host hotels and official venues.

Common badge types include:

• Full Weekend Badge – access to most Dragon Con programming from Thursday to Monday.
• Single-Day Badges – for those who only attend a specific day (availability can vary).
• Kids’ badges – typically at a reduced rate for younger attendees when accompanied by adults.

You can usually:

• Pre-purchase badges in advance (often cheaper than on-site pricing).
• Pick up your badge at a designated registration area, commonly set up in or near one of the host hotels or convention facilities downtown.

Tip: Lines for badge pickup can be long, especially Thursday and Friday morning. Atlanta locals and early arrivals often try to pick up badges as early in the day as possible to avoid peak times.

The Dragon Con Parade: Atlanta’s Most Colorful Morning

One of the best-known parts of Dragon Con is its large Saturday morning parade through downtown Atlanta, which is free and open to the public.

What to Expect

• When: Saturday morning of Labor Day weekend (typically around 10 a.m.)
• Where: The route usually runs along Peachtree Street through downtown and Midtown-adjacent areas.
• Who: Costumed participants featuring:
  • Superheroes and comic characters
  • Sci-fi and fantasy groups
  • Star Wars, Star Trek, anime, video game fandoms
  • Local and regional fan organizations

Locals line the sidewalks well before start time, often by 8–9 a.m., to secure good viewing spots.

Viewing Tips for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

• Arrive early: The parade is extremely popular and sidewalks fill quickly.
• Consider MARTA: Peachtree Center and nearby stations often provide the easiest access without fighting for downtown parking.
• Prepare for heat: Bring water, sunscreen, and possibly a hat or umbrella; you may be standing for 2+ hours.
• Know the closures: Streets in the downtown/Midtown corridor are temporarily closed to vehicle traffic during the parade.

Getting Around: Transportation and Parking During Dragon Con

MARTA

For Dragon Con, MARTA is usually the easiest way to get in and out of downtown:

• Rail Stations near Dragon Con:
  • Peachtree Center Station – closest to the host hotels and America’s Mart
  • Five Points Station – a short walk away and major transfer hub

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is directly connected via the Red/Gold line; no transfers needed to reach Peachtree Center.

Transit tips:

• Avoid the most crowded trains if you’re not attending; midday and evening on Friday–Sunday can be packed.
• If you are attending, consider pre-loading a Breeze Card or using your preferred contactless-pay options where accepted to reduce time at fare machines.

Driving and Parking

Driving downtown during Dragon Con is possible but not always pleasant:

• Expect increased traffic around I-75/85 exits near downtown.
• Many parking decks around Peachtree Center, Courtland St, Baker St, and the Centennial Olympic Park area may fill early or charge event rates.
• Some hotel garages may be restricted to hotel guests.

If you must drive:

• Plan extra time for congestion and navigation.
• Use stable, public garages rather than smaller private lots when possible.
• Verify policies directly with your hotel if you’re staying on-site.

What Happens Inside Dragon Con: Programming Highlights

Dragon Con offers a wide range of activities spread across its venues. Common pillars include:

Panels and Fan Tracks

There are dozens of fan-run “tracks” devoted to specific interests:

• Science fiction TV & film
• Fantasy literature and media
• Comics and graphic novels
• Costuming & cosplay
• Horror, anime, Star Trek, Star Wars, and many more

These tracks host panels, Q&As, workshops, and discussions with:

• Celebrities and creators (actors, authors, artists)
• Industry professionals
• Local and national fan experts

Celebrity Guests and Autographs

Dragon Con typically brings in a mix of TV, film, comic, and literary guests. Many appear in:

• Panels and Q&A sessions
• Autograph halls
• Photo-op sessions

There are usually separate fees for autographs and photo ops, and lines can become long for popular guests.

Gaming

Dragon Con’s gaming offerings are extensive, often including:

• Tabletop role-playing games (like D&D)
• Board games and card games
• Miniatures and wargaming
• Video game rooms and tournaments

These are commonly housed in convention and exhibit spaces such as America’s Mart and designated hotel ballroom areas.

Nightlife and Late-Night Events

Unlike some conventions that close early, Dragon Con is known for its late-night energy:

• Costume contests and masquerades
• Dance parties and themed balls
• Hotel lobby gatherings where cosplayers and fans mingle into the early morning hours

This creates a very lively nightlife scene in and around the host hotels, which can be heard and felt in nearby streets.

Dragon Con and the City of Atlanta: Impact and Local Considerations

Crowd and Noise

For residents living or staying downtown:

• Expect high pedestrian traffic, especially around:
  • Peachtree St NE/NW
  • Courtland St NE
  • Baker St NE
  • Around the Peachtree Center and AmericasMart area
• Noise levels may be elevated late into the night, especially near the host hotels.

Local Businesses

Dragon Con weekend is typically very busy for:

• Restaurants and bars in downtown and nearby neighborhoods
• Coffee shops, quick-service food, and convenience stores
• Rideshare services

Locals who work downtown may encounter longer waits and crowded lunch spots, but the weekend can also be an opportunity for extra foot traffic and sales for nearby businesses.

Planning Your Dragon Con Experience as an Atlantan

Do You Need a Hotel If You Live Nearby?

Many Atlanta-area residents choose to commute daily instead of staying downtown. That can work, but keep in mind:

Pros of commuting:

• No hotel cost
• You can retreat home to rest and recharge
• Avoid the densest late-night lobby crowds if you prefer quieter evenings

Cons:

• Late-night driving or MARTA trips back to the suburbs
• Less convenient for early-morning panels and very late events
• Harder to take mid-day breaks if you’re in costume

Some locals compromise by booking one or two nights (often Friday and Saturday) and commuting the other days.

What to Pack and Wear in Atlanta’s Labor Day Weather

Atlanta’s early September weather is typically:

• Hot (often high 80s–90s°F)
• Humid
• With possible afternoon thunderstorms

If you’re attending:

• Wear lightweight, breathable clothing under costumes if possible.
• Bring comfortable walking shoes; you’ll move between buildings often.
• Carry a small water bottle and snacks.
• Consider a small fan or cooling towel if you run hot.

Dragon Con for Non-Attendees: How to Navigate or Enjoy from the Sidelines

If you’re not attending Dragon Con but live or work in Atlanta, you still have options.

How to Avoid the Chaos

• Route around downtown when possible, especially Saturday morning and early evening throughout the weekend.
• If you must drive through, allow extra time and watch for increased pedestrian flows crossing streets.
• Use alternate dining areas (like Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, or Westside) if you want to avoid long waits downtown.

How to Enjoy Without a Badge

You can still enjoy:

• The Dragon Con Parade on Saturday
• Cosplay watching around city sidewalks and public areas near the hotels
• Special events or themed nights at nearby bars or restaurants that are open to the public
• The general festival atmosphere downtown

Just remember that hotel lobbies and certain interior spaces may require badges or security checks during the convention.

Quick Reference: Dragon Con in Atlanta at a Glance

Contact and Local Resources

For general event logistics and questions, Dragon Con is a privately run convention, not a city or state agency, but you can use a few Atlanta resources to navigate the weekend more easily:

• MARTA Customer Service

  • Phone: 404-848-5000
  • Helpful for route planning, service changes, and station information.

• City of Atlanta – ATL311

  • Phone: 3-1-1 (inside city limits) or 404-546-0311
  • For city service questions, street closures, or non-emergency city concerns.

• Atlanta Police Department (Non-Emergency)

  • Phone: 404-658-6666
  • For non-urgent public safety concerns in the downtown area.

Use 911 only for emergencies.

Understanding how Dragon Con fits into Atlanta’s calendar helps you decide whether to dive in as a fan, plan around it as a commuter, or simply enjoy the spectacle from the sidewalks. With the right expectations about crowds, transit, and weather, the weekend can be one of the most memorable—and uniquely Atlanta—experiences of the year.